Glide to the Hut

Cross-Country Ski at Virgnia Meissner Sno-Park in Bend, Oregon

01.05.2017

Oregonians are very proud of their snow parks, for good reason! Well-maintained open spaces are much more than a place to sled; they’re fast tracks of cross-country and snowshoe trails through lodgepole forests to beautiful views of the Cascades. And the bonus? Taking a load off to enjoy some food and beverages at one of the backcountry warming huts.

These rustic A-frame log cabins seat up to 15 and have a wood-burning stove to keep your toes toasty. (Pro tip: Bring a flask of whiskey or wine and you'll fit right in with the locals.) Glide or snowshoe your way to Virginia Meissner Sno-Park near the base of Mt. Bachelor ski area. This gorgeous recreation area has miles of well-groomed trails, maintained and upgraded by local volunteers under a donation-based agreement with the National Forest Service. And wow, do they do good work!

For an easygoing 4-mile cross-country ski, link Tangent loop with Manzanita, Mistletoe, and Pine Drops trails. The route has you stopping at Meissner Shelter for a break and a banner view of the Cascades, including distinct Broken Top Mountain. Warm up and have lunch here before finishing your loop.

BONUS FOOD, BEER, & SUNSET: Après scenes just go better with sunsets, so head to Crux brew pub (50 SW Division St, Bend) for their Sundowner Hour (aka Happy Hour, occurring from 30 minutes before sunset to 30 minutes after sunset). Take a seat on their winter patio with two outdoor fire pits and enjoy the panoramic view of the sun setting across the Cascades. Grab some nachos or soup, and try their sampler of IPAs, lagers, and stouts.

Here's a map to the Virginia Meissner SnoPark. Powder House Ski & Snowboard (311 SW Century Dr, Bend) rents cross-country ski and snowshoe gear. No dogs on trails at Virginia Meissner. There is a $6 Sno-Park fee. Pay onsite with exact change, or pick up a pass at PowderHouse Ski & Snowboard in Bend.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  2. Surfboards and tents for shade are set up on the beach at Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area in the Swim Lagoon Area

    Switchbacks and Swimming Holes

    Hike hard, play hard! This 7-mile out-and-back in Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area is a great workout with payoff vistas and a relaxing post-hike picnic and dip in the water.

    View

  3. Hike the Rainbow

    Catch all the colors of a rainbow at Calero County Park on this 10-mile hike currently showcasing the season’s best blooms.

    View
  4. Hike Purisima Creek Open Space Preserve

    Purisima Charisma

    Hundred-foot redwoods, a shaded canyon, and views overlooking Half Moon Bay. This 10-mile loop hike in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is a roller-coaster of uphill and downhill along with easygoing stretches through some of the Bay Area’s most beautiful landscape.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. People on a guided horseback tour with Central Coast Trailrides at Santa Margarita Ranch near Paso Robles

    Saddle Up with Central Coast Trailrides

    Untouched and sweeping, the mountainous scenery and deep valleys of Santa Margarita near Paso Robles are just begging to be explored. So saddle up for a scenic adventure with Central Coast Trailrides (CCT) at the 14,000-acre Santa Margarita Ranch.

    View
  2. A woman on a hiking trail with huge open space and yellow flowers around her at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks

    Going Wildwood

    Consider this your invitation to get a little untamed. In just one walk through Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks, you can chase the sound of a cascading waterfall, duck into a shadowy cave, and soak in big hillside vistas. The mostly flat 4.25-mile loop makes wild feel wonderfully accessible.

    View
  3. Two people fly fishing on the Truckee River with guides from Reno Fly Shop

    Zen and the Art of Fly Fishing

    Learning to fly fish is one of the most fun and beautiful ways to connect with nature, family, friends, and yourself. It’s also a great way to truly experience the magic of a place. Make that place Reno Tahoe, where a fly fishing adventure with Reno Fly Shop is like being planted in a plein air painting of dreamy outdoors.

    View
  4. A woman on the overlook deck overlooking the Truckee River at Oxbow Nature Study Area in Reno

    This Way to Oxbow and Dickerson Road

    Just west of downtown Reno—tucked right alongside the Truckee River—is a nature haven for wildlife spotting and waterside relaxing. The 22-acre Oxbow Nature Study Area is ideal for those seeking solitude and a short hike. Afterwards, explore the creative hub of Dickerson Road.

    View